Archives for September 2016

Kenneth Cole’s “The Courageous Class” is made up of determined individuals who confidently overcome life’s challenges to become inspiring role models. This month, in honor of heading back to school, they highlighted three people fighting to improve education…and one was our own Kreps Middle School teacher Robt Seda-Schreiber!
This is from the website http://www.kennethcole.com/blog-courageous-class-spotlight-back-to-school-edidtion.html
Robt Seda-SchreiberTeacher of the Year and Champion of Equality
Robt Seda-Schreiber has been an art and theatre teacher at Melvin H. Kreps Middle School in East Windsor, NJ for nearly twenty-five years.What do you want to share with the world regarding youth and education?

Education is the cornerstone of any great civilization and the very fabric of our culture, no doubt, no diggity. Each and every one of us, should learn, grow and expand our horizons each and every day, and teachers are a small but integral part of that process. We all need to teach each other to learn from each other and be open to new ideas. A good teacher is a great learner and a great learner is a good teacher.

What people and/or events inspired you to do the work that you do today?

My wonderful folks showed me the path, my lovely bride holds my hand as I walk it, and my talented son shows me the horizon. My parents taught me love and respect for all, my wife helps me put it into practice, and my boy carries it upward and onward. I have always been inspired by those who speak out and allow others to rise up within their own communities. When one group overcomes injustice and inequality, it is a victory for us all. Whether it be MLK, Gandhi, Harvey Milk, Dolores Huerta, Muhammad Ali, Keith Haring, Kurt Vonnegut, or David Letterman, these men and women were true to themselves and true to their communities. They inspire all of us to be the best that we can be. Finally, much respect and love to my administration, my colleagues, my students and the community at large in which I work. This oh-so-supportive crew have been nothing but encouraging throughout the years and I truly couldn’t do what I do without them.

What is some advice you have for people trying courageously to change the world?

Don’t ever, ever make someone feel wrong or shamed for who they are or who they love; for the color of their skin or the texture of their hair; for the language they speak or the religion they practice (or indeed the lack thereof); for the ideas they hold dear or the lives they choose to lead. And don’t ever, ever stand idly by and let anyone else do so. Remember light will always dispel the darkness and love does indeed trump hate. The world can and will change—it’s entirely up to you whether you want to watch it happen or be the one who makes it happen. Last but not least, as my man Chuck D would say, “Fight the Power. Fight the powers that be!”